Beaver Lake

About Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake, completed in 1966 and nestled high in the Ozark Mountains, is located in northwest Arkansas, the birthplace of the White River. The 28,370-acre lake is the first of the impoundments created in Arkansas and Missouri along the lengthy White River system.

Taking advantage of the natural scenic beauty, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a variety of recreational facilities. Paved access roads wind through 12 developed parks. There are 2,008 acres of campgrounds and over 650 individual campsites. Visitors can enjoy such conveniences as electricity and fire-rings. Drinking water, showers and restrooms are nearby. Other facilities -- picnic sites, swimming beaches, hiking trails, boat launching ramps, sanitary dump stations, group picnic shelters and amphitheaters -- are also available in the parks.

With 487 miles of shoreline highlighted by limestone bluffs, Beaver Lake offers a world of recreational opportunities. Marinas and outfitters are plentiful. Cabins, resorts and other lodging ring the lake, and campgrounds are also available in good number.

Fishing: Beaver Lake offers smallmouth bass fishing, largemouth bass fishing, and striper bass fishing, not to mention plentiful supplies of crappie, bream, white bass, channel and spoonbill catfish. Beaver supports healthy populations for fall striped and hybrid striped bass. November serves up fast-paced action for both of these hard-hitting sportfish. The lake offers clear-water fishing at its north end and dingy water fishing in the tributaries flowing in from the south. When quick rises in its level move muddy water northward, the lake’s midsection often produces outstanding shallow-water fishing.

Beaver Lake has given up several 40-pound-plus state-record stripers. In spring, these huge fish may be scattered all over the lake, but there are some areas and methods you can count on. One prime hot spot encompasses the huge flats near where the White River and War Eagle join in the upper portion of Beaver. The main river channel averages around 60 to 65 feet deep through this area, but is surrounded by flats that average from 10 to 30 feet in depth. Beaver’s spring stripers always can be found somewhere in this vicinity.

Creek mouths are among the best striper and hybrid fishing areas on 28,000-acre Beaver Lake, especially in summer. Some worth checking out include War Eagle Creek, the White River, Ford’s Creek, Cedar Creek and Rambo Creek. The hybrid daily limit is three on Beaver Lake.

Three-fourths of Beaver Lake is in Benton County, the remainder in Carroll County. Click here for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake map.